Ginisang Kangkong
Ginisang Kangkong is a classic Filipino vegetable dish made by sautéing water spinach (kangkong) with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, often seasoned with fish sauce or shrimp paste. It's a quick, everyday side dish or main course found in homes and carinderias (local eateries) across the Philippines. The dish highlights the fresh, slightly earthy flavor of the leafy greens in a simple, savory stir-fry.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is low in carbohydrates and fat, providing a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron from the water spinach. A typical serving (about 1 cup) is very light, generally containing around 50-80 calories, depending on the amount of oil and seasoning used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 9500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
| Folate | 80 mcg |
| Vitamin K | 250 mcg |
Per 1 cup (175 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Kangkong is a resilient, fast-growing aquatic plant that thrives in wetlands, making it a sustainable and affordable staple in Filipino cuisine. Nutritionally, it's prized for being nutrient-dense while low in calories, embodying the resourcefulness of home cooking where simple ingredients are transformed into flavorful, nourishing meals.
